All observations with GMOS, NIRI, Michelle, Phoenix and Acquisition Camera
must be defined using the Observing Tool (OT) software.
Phase II detailed program definition for CIRPASS is carried out using an ASCII text
form.

Distribution of Phase II Skeletons

Gemini staff will translate approved Phase I proposals into the Phase II
format. In this process, the observations and other details entered in Phase I
are used to construct a ("skeleton") framework of your Science
Program. PIs will be sent their the Phase II
skeleton by e-mail.

What to do Next

Read the introduction to the Observing
Tool, download and install the software.
A new OT release ("river") was made available at the very beginning of January for 2003A;
do not use the previous "limberlost" public release. Next, import your Phase II XML skeleton and define the observation
details using the OT tutorial as an
initial guide. There is
extensive help regarding OT features on the web pages.

CIRPASS PIs edit their ASCII forms using any text editor.

If during detailed definition you find that the approved observations need to be modified, please follow the change
request procedure.

User Support

Starting in Semester 2003A, the National Gemini Offices are taking on the
responsibility for Phase II support for the "established" facility and
visiting instruments as mandated by the Gemini Board. (Phase II support for the
other instruments remains with the Gemini Observatory staff). In outline, the
Phase II process for the established instruments (GMOS, NIRI and Phoenix) is as
follows:

PIs interact with NGO support staff to complete Phase II using the OT

All Phase II Science Programs are checked by NGO staff prior to being forwarded to
the Gemini Contact Scientist. (Note that Gemini CSs will return any Phase II
programs that are received directly from PIs, with instructions to contact
their NGO).

Gemini Contact Scientist checks Phase II Science Programs; if there is any
problem the Science Program will be returned to the NGO support staff. The NGO
staff will then iterate further with the PI.

Only when the Gemini Contact Scientist agrees that the Science Program is ready
will it be activated in the queue for execution. The Gemini CS will notify
the PI that their program is in the active queue and that the Gemini CS is now
the primary contact point.

One current exception to this overall model is in the area of GMOS mask
design where Phase II support is provided directly by the Gemini Contact
Scientist.

The names of the primary NGO support staff and Gemini Contact Scientist for
all programs are included in the International Time Allocation Committee (ITAC)
feedback, distributed via the NGOs, and listed on the Phase
II support web page.

To help us in the process of tracking user problems,
questions and suggestions, and thereby improving the software and web pages,
please continue to use
the Gemini HelpDesk for any queries. This allows us to ensure that no queries are missed and
help us improve the software and documentation. A streamlined interface is available, keyed to your Gemini Program ID (e.g.
GN-2003A-Q-12). As with the regular HelpDesk interface, your query will be
directed to NGO or Gemini support staff as appropriate.

Completed Phase II Science Programs must be returned to your National Office
or Gemini Contact Scientist (as listed on the Phase
II support page) by the following deadlines (all 6pm local time):

20 January - for programs with any instrument that can be executed very early in the semester and
especially GMOS programs that require early pre-imaging

19 February - for programs with any instrument

Note that only the observation descriptions received by these dates can be verified
and made available for execution in the queue.

In some cases GMOS PIs may be contacted directly and asked to submit their
Phase II early to provide sufficient observations for pre-imaging and MOS
spectroscopy at the very start of the semester. The PIs of each GMOS MOS program will be notified of
the deadline for completion of their spectroscopic observation definition after
the pre-imaging observations have been obtained. All pre-imaging observation
descriptions must be submitted by the regular deadlines.

All PIs of classical programs must also submit Phase II Science Programs. The deadline
for these is two weeks prior to the instrument block in which the classical nights are scheduled.
(See the 2003 classical schedule
and 2003A
instrument schedule).

Status of Programs and Observations

The 2003A queue summary page
show the current status (including Phase II) of all queue programs and indicates
when data have been taken.